11/02/2007
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Owner Tommy Strussion sits across from his No. 1 employee Susan Kennedy. |
When you are Italian, family, food and traditions are sacred. It's no different for Tommy Boy Sausage Company and Eatery's Tommy Strussion when he blends his secret recipe of special spices to make the mighty porker so delicious.
While living in Las Vegas in 2002, he started selling his first sandwiches in farmers' markets throughout Nevada. He quickly expanded by selling sandwiches at car dealerships and during special events at stadiums and arenas. He returned to Ohio, his home, to expand the Tommy Boy Sausage brand.
In 2006, he and longtime girlfriend Susan Kennedy moved to Nashville to be closer to her parents and opened a small eatery on Trousdale Lane. Besides catering to the lunch crowd and neighbors on their way home from work, they opened their quaint establishment once a month for a Crieve Hall Breakfast Club.
NFIB recently spoke to Tommy Strussion, who owns and operates Tommy Boy Sausage, home of the mighty porker.
Essential business philosophy
"A message, a menu and management."
Company strengths
"Tommy Boy Sausage Co. has an unlimited market. With endless possibilities, branding our product is everything in the food industry. Marketing is essential to promote a fantastic menu. We also ensure that our food is the freshest and rises above our customers' expectations. In order for us to grow, we will need a larger facility down the road and investigate the possibility of investors. It is not easy to get a product into a local grocery store, but we are ambitious."
Benefits of being a small-business owner
"My parents, also NFIB members, have been small-business owners for over 58 years. I learned a lot from them. Owning your own business, no one tells you what to do. I don't have to follow any corporate protocol."
Surprising about my industry
"The number of hours devoted to a small business in the food industry is a direct result of consistent food preparation and quality. We work seven days a week."
Legislation concerns
Tommy Strussion's No. 1 concern is the rising cost of health care.
NFIB experience and expectations
"I want to be more active. This is why I joined NFIB. I know what NFIB has accomplished and how they have supported my family's business in Ohio. Public policy is all about compromise. It is a game. I want to advocate for small business and its good members.
Quick Facts
Family: Longtime companion Susan Kennedy
Most recent read: Food and business magazines
Favorite vacation spot: Mexico
Number of employees: Two
In business since 2006, NFIB member since June 2007.
www.tommyboysausage.com
